Date of Birth:
Sunday, January 16, 1949
Date of Death:
Monday, January 5, 2026
Age:
76 years old

Ronice Ellen Donovan

Ronice Ellen Donovan passed unexpectedly on Monday, January 5th at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN surrounded by her immediate family.

Ronice was born January 16th, 1949 in Milwaukee, WI to Roland and Bernice Meyer. She was one of three siblings in the family with her older brother, Berland and younger sister, Lannice (Rosie).

Growing up in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Ronice, who was affectionately known as “Tootie” attended Rufus King High School where she was was a gifted student with many friends. Graduating in ’66 Tootie, was involved in A-Choir, The Crown Players, Homeroom Service, The Nominating Committee, Classroom Service, and was a Hall Cadet. Outside of School, Tootie was an active and proud member of Job’s Daughters where she was crowned an Honored Queen.

After high school graduation, Tootie attended and graduated from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, afterwards returning to Milwaukee to obtain her AMI Montessori Accreditation. Tootie then traveled to Europe for a few weeks where she backpacked—a graduation present from her parents.

Tootie then moved to Rochester, MN where she began working at the Rochester Montessori School and remained there as a Children’s House Directress for 33 years. Her passion, skill, and devotion to both the Montessori Philosophy and each child’s inherent potential are what caused Ronice to become a cornerstone of the Montessori community in Rochester.

Ronice met her husband, Gary Donovan through the Montessori school and both of her daughters, Eira Rose Donovan and Moira Frances Donovan, attended the school.

Ronice was a committed and devoted member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rochester, MN. She was a member of several UU committees including the RE Committee, the Caring Committee, and pulled Gary into the Historical Committee. The church community often leaned on Ronice for her direction and gift for creating inviting spaces.

Ronice also spent much of her time working with the disabilities community of Rochester with her daughter Eira. Ronice coached Eira’s Bowling team and her Bocce Ball team, spending time every year working with the Special Olympic’s Committee.

Ronice will be remembered as a caring, gentle, hard-working, and intelligent woman, who consistently thought of others and how to best include them. Ronice’s impact on her family’s lives and her friends’ lives is indelible,— a once-in-a-lifetime relationship.

Ronice is preceded in death by her mother, Bernice (Berkhahn) Meyer, her father, Roland Meyer, her step-mother, Evelyn (Schwartz) Meyer, and her younger sister Lannice “Rosie” Meyer.

Ronice is survived by her husband, Gary Donovan, her two daughters, Eira Donovan (Jake Theros) and Moira Donovan (Ryan Nordell), and her older brother Berland Meyer (Beverly).

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday, January 24th at 1pm. There will be a gathering for family and friends following the service. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either PossAbilities of Rochester or Bear Creek Services of Rochester.